The Mundane Details

UPDATE: Recent Pictures from this Fall

2010-11-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

What have I been doing this past year you ask? Fostering independence, creativity and goodwill towards man in these two silly kids:

I really do not know where the time goes and I know I'm not alone on this because I hear it from everyone. As we get older and increase in responsibility, the quicker the days, months, and years go by. But for these little ones, the next birthday, holiday or Halloween is a forever wait.

I'm treasuring my time with them and remind myself when I am frustrated beyond belief that this too shall pass and I will miss my little ones pulling on my shorts to get my attention. If only I survive with my sanity!

I thought I would share some recent pictures from Keaton's 2nd birthday and our fall activities.

Ladybug Girl
Giddy Up!
Birthday Smiles!

Family Traditions

2009-11-18T13:59:00.001-08:00

We had the great pleasure of attending family camp last weekend at the camp that my husband was a camper at in his youth. A beautiful camp, terrific speaker, and good people made for a wonderful weekend away with the kids.

The kids had a blast exploring nature, going on a hike, and getting dropped off for their respective classes. Of course it was the three year old who really took it in and didn't want to leave. We were getting ready to pack up to go home and she asked if we could stay at Forest Home forever. Oh how familiar these words were, taking me back to the days of my youth when I couldn't make enough tears to express my sadness at having to get back on the boat and head for home. Yes, camp is a special place and has more significance in our home than I could possibly express. So when I heard my daughter ask to stay at camp longer my response was, "I'm sure this isn't the last we have seen of Forest Home." It brought me joy to see that my daughter already "gets" that there is something magical about camp although she has no idea.

I fully intend to encourage my children to have the camp experience. My hope is that they love it as much as I do and it molds and shapes them as much as I. That they too will build friendships for a lifetime and become better people because of the people they meet and their experiences away from home on some secluded parcel of land where one can retreat to find the fullness of God's love.

It was just one weekend, but the seed has been planted.

Fall Festivities

2009-10-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite events of the year, a visit to the best pumpkin patch EVER, and it did not disappoint. Our annual journey to the Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center came on the first day that actually felt like fall this year. The weather was cool, clear and crisp which made for beautiful pictures with the vast array of pumpkins. We were accompanied by the kiddo's best buddy, the one who brought flowers to her first dance recital, and his terrific family.

What a joy to watch these two frolic in the pumpkins and giggle with excitement on the tractor ride.

The little munchkin had the excitement of his first pony ride!

We even managed a family photo which is no small feat when dealing with two kids desiring to go in two different directions.

We are closing in on the first birthday. Wow, so fast! It's busy around here which is reflected in my inability to post to the blog. The past few weeks have been especially fun with the two kids as they actually begin to play together, even if my little boy is playing with Barbies and doll houses. He is quite the observer as he watches his big sister then imitates her play, all with a huge grin. Last week she came home from school with two brightly colored plastic plates. She started marching around the house banging them together as she tells us she is in a parade. It was cute. The next morning, baby brother stumbled upon the two plates left on the coffee table while we were in a different room. We hear a banging sound and laughter as we see him marching into the room, with a huge grin. It was cuter.

So it has been busy and I've been challenged as I do my best to parent a three year old.

A friend calls it the threenangers and I have to agree. If this is any insight on how she will be at thirteen, I just don't want to consider it. Oh well. My neighbor of two teenage girls gave me some unsolicited advice yesterday, just hold and enjoy your babies. Enough said.

Time Marches On

2009-09-16T08:43:00.001-07:00

Sadly, we are closing in on the end of summer. I'm grateful that Southern California hangs on to the warmer temps a bit longer as I try to get more wear out of my shorts and tank tops and relish in the last days of heat for the year. True that many people I know wear their "summer" clothes year round in beautiful San Diego but for me, when the temperature drops below 75, I layer.

So I anticipate the fall. Daddy proudly placed this years crop of "giant" pumpkins on display yesterday and the plans and invitations are developing for the coming months. So too, do we plan for our little guy's first birthday. But for now, I just got around to getting his first picture sitting. Here he is at 10 months.

Big sister wasn't interested in taking pictures and opted to "help" her brother get his done. She did venture off to the first "official" day of pre-school yesterday, where she was most impressed by the class pets. One of which was a guinea pig named Rocky and the second were a pair of caterpillars in insect containers. The classroom is a fun and stimulating place with all her favorite things, including a terrific dress up collection. Oh to be three again!

The Warm Up

2009-07-17T21:56:00.001-07:00

A few choice pics from recital rehearsal.

Now bring on the show! This weekend she has two performances, one Saturday and one Sunday. It's sure to be a hoot! If anything noteworthy happens, I will be sure to post about it.

Sweet Sounds of Summer

2009-07-14T06:46:00.001-07:00

Summertime! I love it and the whole family loves it. Beach on Sunday, ice cream social at the local spraygrounds yesterday and sand/water play at school today. The weather this past week has been beautiful. I've been longing for the morning sun and warm temperatures and it seems it's finally arrived although this morning is overcast but I'm sure it will burn off soon.

This week marks our first participation in the gala event called the dance recital for our 3 year old little princess (note sarcasm). Her costume actually comes with a tiara. What to expect? Anything goes. She knows the dance...I think. She refuses to practice with me and she gets about half of it in class before she is distracted by herself in the mirror. The singing of the song she has down and is likely to demonstrate on stage at full volume. Well, at least it will be cute. The teacher says the three year olds always are. Ha Ha.

She loves to sing. EVERY TIME we get in the car she asks, "Do you have the ipod Mom?" Followed by, "May I listen to _________ (Insert song title from one of two Disney albums we own.) The movie of the week is Lion King. The song of the week is Hakuna Matata which we come back to every few weeks.

Sidetracked. As I'm typing this on the new fancy laptop, baby just pulled himself up to his feet to get in the toy box. Probably the first legitimate time all by himself. Never a dull moment.

So I hear a lot of "No worries Mom. Hakuna Matata." It goes something like this:

Mom says, "It's time to get dressed to go to the store."

Child answers, "No worries. Hakuna Matata, no worries Mom. I'll get dressed after I play with my castle toys."

Our routine usually starts with repetitive listens to chosen Disney tune in the car, followed by a visit to the library to check out the book to read and reread, and then it's movie time. Wash, rinse and repeat.

Last week it was Mary Poppins. How many times can you say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?

I think we may be heading into a Bambi phase. Shoot, I don't think we have any music for that or the movie.

Like I said it's never dull and always busy. I've heard people say motherhood is the most rewarding job you can have. I believe it's true but I'm thinking the rewards come in about 20 years. For now, I better go do the laundry.

The Best Cat I Ever Met

2009-06-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

I miss him.

The Party Rolls On

2009-03-25T16:13:00.000-07:00

We made it through the 3rd birthday party-aganza! Whew, it was a good one and we're pretty sure it was a success . The party started at 11:30am and the last guests left at 8pm, all the food was gone, the bounce house lingered in the backyard until the next day, and the napless birthday girl collapsed 1/2 hour after normal bedtime. The house has recovered and so have we. Just in time for our Anniversary this weekend followed by my birthday and Easter in the next two weeks. Here is the birthday girl considering which treat to dip in the chocolate fountain first.

And here is the birthday girl after her first haircut, one week later.

It needed to be done for some time, but I just didn't have the heart to cut the baby curls off. The little one was reluctant and terrified. She is a very cautious and sensitive soul which makes trips to the dentist, doctor, and apparently the hairdresser, a traumatic experience. Fortunately we have a shop that caters to the little tots not too far away. It's about as fun as you can make the mundane chore that is a haircut. Adventure Cuts has different stations to choose from, all of varying kid funness. My little girl chose the Barbie car, picked the Tinkerbell movie to watch on her personal flat screen TV and indulged in a lollipop while the nice girl went to work. She asked me what I wanted and I hesitantly said, "Cut 3-4 inches. A little longer than shoulder length." Then the first snip. My heart sank and I did all I could to not look disappointed. I know it needed to be done but it was difficult none the less. It looks cute. I think it's just another symbolic act of letting go of my little baby.

And look at this kid.

His smile never fails to melt my heart, it's a good one.

Another Month Already!

2009-03-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Life is fun and never dull. The four month old is mostly happy, except when he is screaming from 1am-6am and the little girl turns three this weekend. Last night when we asked her how old she was going to be she said, "I'm going to be sixteen on my sixteenth birthday." After a little chuckle we corrected her and she said, "No. I don't want to be three, I want to be sixteen." I'm certainly not ready for her to be a teenager, why I'm barely managing the toddler years! Maybe it's the teenagers on the block that so kindly play with her, doing her hair and putting lip gloss on her. Last night she asked me to read the Prinesses book at bedtime (for the 100th time) and when we got to Sleeping Beauty it all became clear. For those that are not familiar with the story, Princess Aurora is suppose to prick her finger on the point of a spinning wheel before her 16th Birthday and DIE, but the Prince slays the bad dragon fairy and rescues the beautiful princess and... wait for it....they live happily ever after. So there you have it, my want to be 16 year old little Princess waiting for her Prince to arrive.

Last night was punishment. The four month old little man is sick. I know, again! Poor guy couldn't breathe and couldn't sleep without choking on the mucous running down his throat. I felt so bad for him I just wanted to hold and rock him all night but he wasn't interested in that, nor could I possibly manage to stay vertical so we did the best we could. This morning he is all smiles! The reward for my suffering. He is the happiest little boy, most of the time.

We can't get enough of his smiles and no one draws bigger giggles from him than big sister.

The past month was sufficiently busy with birthday parties, fairytale playdates, dance classes, potty training, park play and juggling childcare with Daddy so we can keep the business afloat. The coming month is much of the same. I hope to post more perhaps I will find time to report back on the birthday party this weekend. The theme is Mickey Mouse.

Three Months

2009-01-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

My newborn is gone. He's been replaced by a thriving 3 month old infant. We turned another month today. With my daughter, I had What to Expect the First Year out on the coffee table and consulted it regularly on what milestone she will/should hit and when. I often looked forward to the next month to see what will come next. This time around I have cracked the book once when we started our colic episodes and haven't glanced at it since. Obviously I don't have the time I had then but it also doesn't interest me. I just want to enjoy each short stage as it comes because we all know how quickly they pass. It's clear by the chunky, thunder thighs, contagious smile, and more frequent giggles, that he is doing well and that is good enough for me. The only milestones I'm aware of are the ones he is hitting in my heart. Unfortunately, the nights are still rougher than I would like but if the little bugger would just stay healthy for more than a couple days we might just get some solid rest.

Oh the big sister. I am surprised each day at how much attitude and opinion can come from a person of her size. She certainly knows what she wants and will figure out how to do it all on her own. In hindsight, I made the mistake of buying the Charlie & Lola book titled, I Can Do Anything Thats Everything All On My Own.

This week she had it in her head that she must do crafts. She begged and begged for new paints and a paintbrush. I have reserved painting as a special activity for playdates, holidays, etc because I just have enough messes to clean up as it is. I figured she is older now and so it was off to the craft store we went. I must admit, if it weren't for all the fantastic WASHABLE products by Crayola, I would have resisted. She insisted on carrying the paintbrushes on the errands that followed, eager to put them to use. When we got home I started her with watercolors. It was a hit. She spent a couple hours of concentrated effort on her art until I pulled her away (crying) to take a nap. I brought out the craft paints in the afternoon, which she preferred. The water color paints weren't dark enough and not as fun to dip the brush in. She painted a picture for Mommy, Daddy, Keaton & Rocky the cat. Here is mine.

I love it!

Happy January

2009-01-06T14:44:00.003-08:00

A new year.

I could use this clean slate to say I will be a more consistent blogger, but let's be real. I've got a blossoming little girl, eager to enter the world of the "big kids", a two month old that will be mobile and curious before I get a chance to blink, a house that needs attending to, and some pretty lofty business goals. I best not forget to include the role as wife, the most significant, for all the others would not exist had I not chosen this beautiful life six years ago.

With that said, I started this portal in cyberspace to provide a little chuckle and it soon evolved to a place where I preserve a few memories for my little girl, and now my son too. I'm committed to continuing to post whenever I can and using it as a place where friends and family can keep up with the highlights of the two amazing kids God has entrusted in my hands. I appreciate how it forces me to sit down for a chunk of time and reflect on the kiddos lest I let all the memories get away from me and will quickly get filed in the back of the memory bank. My recall for life events is not so good. I'm happy to have a place to visit and view pictures to keep these memories fresh. So really, it's a selfish endeavor. I post for my own enjoyment and if you choose to take a peak now and again, thank you. I will try to be as entertaining as I can.

We went to Disneyland over the weekend. As we were exiting the park I realized we had just spent 12 hours at the "Happiest Place on Earth" with a two year old and two month old. It felt like an amazing feat. Both kids were asleep as we headed back to the parking lot. A total success. My daughter was stunned most of the day. Not quite the reaction we were expecting but who can blame her. We rushed her into the Disney Playhouse Show first thing where she saw her best friends from The Little Einsteins right in front of her eyes. All the buddies she has enjoyed on TV every morning for the past year were walking and talking a few feet from her. At one point she almost started to cry out of joy, or perhaps fear that her world as she reasoned is suddenly thrown in to chaos.

She seemed to enjoy it all. We went on a number of rides and was even able to bring the baby on a few. The fireworks show was fantastic and well worth sticking around until 9:30pm. Disney knows how to do it and I still get that giddy, magical feeling inside when I walk in the gates and get my first glimpse of Main Street. I hoped to post some pictures but that will have to wait until the family "supercomputer", where all the family memories are archived, gets fixed again. Oh well, to be continued.

Welcome Tanner!

2008-12-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

We joyfully welcome the newest member of the family, Tanner Kailua Millard. Our kids have a new baby cousin and look forward to meeting her soon! Congratulations Millard family. We miss you lots!

To The Point

2008-12-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

Finally, a few moments to get to the blog. I have so much to say but too few minutes to get it all down so I thought I would at least get some pics up from the last month. It's been grand! Mostly. There has been more crying than I would like from the newbie but, it's hard being small. The holidays are always wonderful but this year they come with an added sweetness and not just of the high caloric kind. It's the first year where our little girl "gets" it and let me tell you, you only have to tell these kids once about Santa. She is anxiously awaiting his arrival and here is a photo watching a video message from Santa. The man has certainly kept up with technology.

The first dance performance was over the weekend. It went better than expected but certainly left room for improvement. Meaning, she didn't freeze up from stage fright and go screaming off the stage. At the end of their 55 second performance my girlfriend says, "Well your daughter stole the show." There is truth to the statement but unfortunately, not in the way I would have hoped. I'll just say that she did her own thing and looked like she was having a great time. Below is a picture of the girls before the show and my little one taking it all in after.

The new little man of the house has settled in and graces us with smiles daily. What gratification the first smiles bring!

And the two kids seem to be taking to one another. He loves to watch her and flash a shiny grin her way. She must know where he is at all times and enjoys putting toys in his lap for him to play with.

Merry Christmas from the whole family!

This New Life

2008-11-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

What a joyous few weeks (outside of the evil stomach flu virus that rocked the family)! Of course it's also been a bit sleepless and overworked but the pain is overshadowed by how the new addition has shaken up the household. Each of our lives have been uniquely enriched by our blessed Keaton.

I've heard people question whether they have enough love to give to the second child. I say, absolutely. Not only do I have as much love for my new son, I find that my love for both of my children has grown tenfold over the past few weeks. I do not believe our love is finite. The more we give, the more we have to give. So now having a whole other person to care for and love has grown my heart even more.

Although the heavy lifting is done by the parents, our little girl has been the most rocked by the new kid. The first few days saw lots of adjusting. She walked into my hospital room to meet the infamous baby that Mommy and Daddy have been talking about all year with a look of apprehension, as if she was wondering, "Is my Mommy still the same?" When our eyes met and I immediately embraced her I felt her relax as she realized she was still Mommy's little girl. She met her future roommate with interest and curiosity. It took a few days for the nerves to settle and her to adjust to the big sister role, which she has done fabulously. I think that has been the single most enjoyable thing for me since bringing my second child home. Being a big sis has matured her, virtually overnight. Not only does she try to be helpful but she understands, and accepts, the she needs to occupy herself more. What a joy to watch her play and manipulate her little world of dinosaurs, princesses, and little people, voices and all.

But what is truly heartbreaking is watching her fall in love with her brother. I've heard this from other Moms and thought, "Yeah, that must be really beautiful." I was not prepared. The first few days she kept her distance. She eventually touched his hand. When he was two weeks old, she asked to hold him. A few days later she kissed him on the forehead. She is always concerned when he cries and is quick to offer his needs. When he started crying today, she started to sing one of her favorite songs to him, Old McDonald. In the mornings she says, "Good morning little guy," and when he shows off with a gassy smile she responds, "Oh, that was a good smile lil' fella."

I've always believed that the greatest gift I could give my daughter was a sibling and now I'm sure of it. Here is one of her first interactions with our new baby!

Family Weekend Out

2008-10-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had a wonderful time at my Mom's Group Halloween party at the park. The little one had been looking forward to it and was so excited to get in character.

She hand selected her costume and the winner is....

Our lovely Belle. The entire ride to the park she asked if Cinderella will be there, and Snow White, and the list goes on. Imagine her excitement when the first friends she came upon were....

It was the meeting of the Princesses! She was equally enthusiastic to see Darth Vader, Storm Troopers and Batman (she has been outspoken that this is definitely what Daddy should be for Halloween, "a batman," she says.)

A Halloween party is just not complete without the cookie decorating.

It was a beautiful day in the suburbs and we finished off the morning with a quick stop at the local brewery's Oktoberfest celebration, much to the enjoyment of Daddy. He got to sample the local brew and the little one and I enjoyed the band. Needless to say, I got Mommy props for planning such a fun day and was given a break from the dinner and bedtime nightly routine!

Looking forward to the tricks and treats on Friday.

A Genuine Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-13T15:02:00.001-07:00

We took our annual homage to the pumpkin patch, and I mean a real pumpkin patch. Not the side of the freeway bounce house type. We ventured to the town of Valley Center, with some great friends, to a real farm where the pumpkins you pick are actually grown there. Some may recall the huge pumpkin picture from last year.

We all had a great time and I think the pictures capture the event nicely. The little one had been looking forward to the trip for several weeks now and did not disappoint in showing her excitement when we pulled in the dirt paved, make-shift parking lot. One of the qualities I most appreciate is her general, and vocal, enthusiasm for most every event we do. Her excitement is certainly infectious if you happen to be the parents in her life!

She laughed through the pony ride, got a little scared on the slide, and took off running through the pumpkin patch, stopping to hug almost every giant pumpkin. What a joy of a day!

More on the day at TMST.

An Emerging Princess

2008-10-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's happening and there's no point in fighting it any longer. My daughter is intent on entering the princess stage. It's just what girls do although I do not remember ever going through this myself. Perhaps it's the super marketing by those geniuses at Disney or just the American consumer that fuels the fire. It brings out the inherent femininity of a little girl.

The little one has had a mild interest in the different Disney princesses and fairies for the past year but yesterday the words came out of her mouth for the first time, "I'm a Princess. Where's my magic wand?" I admit it's very cute but I refuse to overly douse this fire with lighter fluid for fear it will spin out of control. It started a couple weeks ago when the local dance studio was our neighbor vendor at the Harbor Days festival. I asked my munchkin if she wanted to try dance classes. She said yes, of course, and made mention of it daily since then. I knew she had a friend in the class who just started so I agreed to a free trial class to check out what it was all about. She was the youngest in the class but you would not have known by her enthusiasm and readiness to jump right in. About half of the class needed coaxing by Mom to get involved and a few banished themselves to the wall and outright refused any part of the charade. The little one laughed, smiled, and followed instruction for the full hour and refused to leave class when it was over. She sat in the big empty room by herself in total denial that it was over for the day.

Since I had not committed to joining and was unsure it would even work out I didn't purchase the appropriate dress code for the class. She was the only one not in leotard and missing both tap and ballet shoes. As we were leaving she said, "We have to go buy my dance costume." And so we did.

Last night she insisted on putting the leotard on and that is when she became our "little princess". Daddy rolled his eyes but could not help but to comment on how cute it all was.
I finally got her to take her "dance costume" off for bath time and she asked, "Where are my dino's (dinosaurs)?"

The Great Costume Debate

2008-09-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

As some may remember, the little munchkin won the costume contest last year for her representation of a pink octopus.

She selected the costume herself and it was a big hit at the parties. So we sort of set the bar pretty high in our first "real" year out and now there has been much discussion as to what costume we will display this year.

Since the due date for the next irresistible bundle of joy is scheduled for Halloween day, I feel the need to button down and purchase this year's costume asap. The problem is, in typical kid fashion, the costume choice changes from hour to hour and day to day. Some top choices have been a bunny, Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, Leo from the Little Einsteins, and an elephant.

I took her to several costume stores and there was mild interest in a couple here and there but mostly unimpressed with the selection...on her part. I saw a half dozen adorable costumes to fit the bill but she confidently said, "NO." At our fifth store they had a super selection and impressive Halloween display. She thoroughly enjoyed all the decorations. "Look at that Mommy," she said, and "Oh, look, what's that?" Then she said, "I want to hold you," when we got to the scary, spooky decorations. Then the great wall of costumes. We finally selected two that were try-on worthy and headed to the dressing room. We put the first one on and she refused to take it off. "Are you sure this is the one you want," I asked. "Yes," she responds without hesitation. We head up to the check out counter, still wearing the costume, and pay for the empty packaging. As I was checking out, the lady says, it can be returned up to ten days before Halloween. She is experienced enough to know that the little one is likely to change her mind about 20 times before the actual holiday and God Bless the lady at the counter for her reassurance.

The excitement has already diminished on our selected costume since last week. I am fully prepared to just place this one in the dress up/costume box and pick up one or two more before the big day. That's just the way it goes as I try to plan ahead but it sure is fun to watch her imagination go and think up all the fun things she can pretend to be. I have one or two costumes in mind that I would like for her and I might just put one together and give her a choice of costume displays.

2008-09-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

It's been an action packed week, and summer for that matter! One thing is for certain, the little one enjoys spending time with friends. She really thrives on visiting and playing with her buddies. Since I've been told that I need to post more photos, I thought I would just select some pictures from the past week's happenings and time spent with our pals.

Fun beach day with Lailani and Jake:

With Ayla, waiting for their favorite band Hullaballoo at a super fun playdate:

Hullaballoo, a real tiny tot crowd pleaser:

Bathtime with Grace:

Poolside with cousin Tawny:

Fun visit with the Savage Family:

Two very dirty girls. Good old fashion backyard play with Sydney:

Friends:

And our newest buddy, GO ANNABELLE!

Some Things Haven't Changed

2008-08-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you were at a public library? Shamefully I admit that it has been 11 years and if you don't count school libraries, I have to go back to junior high for my last public library visit. Which, consequently, was the last time I had a public issued library card. It's not that I don't read. I love books and I always have at least one that I am reading at any given time. Barnes and Noble and Borders have replaced the need for a library in my life as I have been conditioned by the publishing companies that it is far more convenient to purchase the book than go through the hassle of using a library. I do enjoy owning the books that I read but in an attempt to make more sound financial decisions I think some adjustments in attitude can be made. Yesterday I got my first public issue library card in 20 years!

What prompted all of this? I've heard the Oceanside Public Library has a great Toddler Storytime program every week and I have been intending on checking it out for months now. The little one has been under the weather so my normal morning workout has been cancelled most of the week as a courtesy to the other kids and moms at the gym childcare. She seemed to be on the mend yesterday and I seized the opportunity to get over to the library for story time. Also, the weekly Farmer's Market is located directly in front of the library on Thursday's and I've already mentioned how much the munchkin and I enjoy that....bonus!

The outing proved to be a great success. She loved it! We sang songs, read a story, and made a craft to correspond with the book. Her enthusiasm surprised me as she sang on cue and attentively sat on the carpet in front of the teacher, listening to every word of the story. We have this to show for the morning:

And it was all FREE! She even checked out a few books with her new library card.

When Daddy came home from work and heard about our day, he smiled as it brought back memories of his childhood. He said he went to the library every week during the summers for the reading programs and the activities offered. Guess what? Those programs still exist and they are still free. Our library has a number of computers with Internet access and educational games for the kids. The technology is current and the general ease of use surprised me. I feel foolish to have neglected this resource for so long.

Water Fun Update

2008-07-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to enjoy some pool time as a family on Sunday and it is clear that swim lessons have really changed the little one's attitude about being in the water as demonstrated by this:

The last three weeks have shown a complete turn around in her enthusiasm for being in the water. The crying has stopped for one. She lets the teacher dunk her and actually swims with her face in the water, teacher assisted. Their methodology is very interesting to me, someone who has never had nor given a swim lesson. They first start by getting the child comfortable in the water. Then they get them use to having their face and head underwater. Next step is to work on holding their breath and once they are able to comfortably go a distance, they start working on hand strokes. The little one is working on having her face in the water and holding her breath. Also, opening her eyes and grabbing a toy while underwater. It is so fun to watch.

While we were at the pool this past weekend, Mommy and Daddy played swim teacher a bit and the the munchkin played along. Before we knew it she was jumping in and enjoying having her head underwater. Of course this is all while holding our hands as we haven't got to the swimming/floating in our swim lessons but I'm sure that will come in time.

It was a true joy to see her having so much fun in the pool. Partly because both of us love the water so much, but mostly because I have watched her overcome this fear and embrace something new. The smiles and laughs were hard fought and she earned every one through a small triumph of her spirit.

We just signed up for our 3rd 3 week session. No sense in giving up now while we have the momentum!

Lights, Cameras, and Lots of Action!

2008-07-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

It's clear that the little one is ready for Disneyland. On our recent family trip to Las Vegas to celebrate Grandma's 70th birthday, the munchkin was in awe of everything she saw.

Grandma loves everything French and has dreams of someday going to Paris. The family delivered her the next best thing, a suite at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. As we pulled in to town, the little one started yelling with excitement from the backseat, "Pyramids!" Followed by, "Look at that castle." When we got off the freeway to head towards the big surprise at Grandma's hotel, she points and says, "I see it. The Eiffel Tower!" All of the great structures she's learned about in one location. Mind you she has no idea that they are not actually the "real" thing but why crush the spirits of a 2 year old.

At one point in the evening, around 10pm, we found ourselves walking to the hotel across the street to see the gardens. I was walking behind the kiddo as she held Grandma's hand. She was pointing and looking in every direction and chatting to Grandma about everything she saw. All the huge TV's, lights, water shows and even an "obelisk"! It was a priceless moment.

Of course we couldn't refuse the fancy gelato after a quick walk through the botanical gardens. When all was said and done that evening. We were walking back to the car, it was after 11pm, the munchkin was covered with raspberry gelato face and Daddy and I look at each other. He says, "She has had every sense stimulated. This is what Disneyland will be like." It was so fun to watch her take in the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of all the action. I find it funny, in a disturbing sort of way, that we saw this beautiful display of innocence in Las Vegas of all places.

Best we take it to the Magic Kingdom.

The sum total of the weekend: the little one stayed up way past her bedtime, ate too many sweets and took her first limo ride. We still haven't gotten back on schedule. The perma-grin and belly laughs as a result of the weekend fun, that's what life is all about!

A Public Service Announcement

2008-07-11T09:45:00.001-07:00

I'm stunned regarding a news piece I saw this morning on fluorescent light bulbs. They are suppose to be longer lasting, more efficient and all around better for your home and the environment. Or are they? Just drop and break one of them and the mercury inside will kill you or leave you seriously sick. Here is the news clip I saw this morning on proper disposal if broken.

I checked the EPA website for confirmation.

Step 4 states:

"If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage."

There are reports that the old fashioned incandescent light bulbs will be phased out by 2012 which means I better start stocking up now! Not only is the light from the fluorescent bulbs highly unpleasant and makes a constant humming noise, now I learn it's hazardous to the health of my family. I suppose it's perfectly safe as long as you don't break one....which of course, never happens.

All this talk about the dangers of mercury in the seafood and immunizations but yet we should all replace every light bulb in our home with these fluorescent mercury bombs. Well, I'm not buying it.

Holiday Greetings

2008-07-04T08:45:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

The little one is looking forward to staying up late to watch the fireworks. She says, "I'm going to stay awake for the fire!" Let's hope that's not the case but instead the beautiful sights and sounds of the Oceanside fireworks display.

The family is planning on attending our first movie together today. The munchkin has been anticipating it for months. "We are going to see Wall-E and get popcorn and watch the big TV!" she says. We're going to take in an early movie, then head outside to enjoy the beautiful So-Cal sunshine with a post sunset fireworks extravaganza. If we're really motivated, we'll hop on the new, local light rail system to go down to the beach for the big O'Fest celebration. Otherwise, I hear the local park does a pretty good job too. One way or another, we WILL see fireworks!

Merry 4th and may God continue to bless this great country of ours, The United States of America!

Water Babies

2008-06-23T14:00:00.001-07:00

With the warm weather here, it was decided the little one needs swimming lessons. Unfortunately, the whole lot of local parents decided the same, all on the same week. The pool is filled with splish splashing peewees of all ages, birth-7 years old.

With a little research I found the best, and most highly recommended, swim school in the area and thanks to Aunt Barbara we started swim lessons last week. The little one is a little less than thrilled, judging by the terrified look and cry, at the whole scene but I"m just hoping she'll warm up to the idea.

Here is the way a lesson breaks down, literally and figuratively. Each teacher has 3 students for the half hour. The teacher spends one on one time with each student making a lap around the pool doing an experience level lesson individualized for each student. Each student gets three laps, or equivalent thereof, around the pool during each lesson. While the teacher is attending to one student, the other two must sit on the step in the pool and wait for their turn. All the while, ten other instructors are doing the same in the same pool. Don't be fooled by the chaos. You attend 3 lessons per week for three weeks to equal one session. So one session equals nine lessons. They make it clear that your commitment should go beyond one session to see results. The whole system may sound a bit funny but judging by all the tots swimming around in the pool, underwater without assistance, it works!

I think our little one is on a multi-session track. With two cry sessions, I mean lessons, behind us, I'm hoping the angst will lessen and the smiles will increase. Doesn't every kid love swimming? She actually appears to be comfortable with her teacher when they are in the water together, when she is not crying for Mommy, but she just melts down while she waits for her turn again. The funny thing is she'll stay seated on the step in the pool, because her teacher said so, but she just looks at me and cries, "I want to get out." The teacher said this is pretty commonplace with the newbies and it just takes a little getting use to but it can feel heartbreaking for the parents. Why am I torturing my child? Oh yeah, so they don't drown in the pool. OK, cry on.

It really is a great facility with super instructors. Their success is quite obvious through simple observation of the students in the pool. I have no complaints about Ms. Lauren. She is sensitive and gentle enough with my little one while still being persistent about the instruction. Just like in other aspects of child rearing...sometimes they just have to cry it out...I guess.

2008-06-04T13:10:00.001-07:00

There are few mundane details these days as we are too busy working on the significant!

The little one didn't exactly pick up a paint brush or sand any floors but she did something even greater...she let Mommy do it! It was a difficult 9 days for my little tyke and her ability to adapt and roll with it brings tears to my eyes (I'm serious). There were no cool play structures or fun water activities or even much in the way of attention but it was as if she knew we were a part of something very special. We, I mean everybody there including the little one, were working on a beautiful thing with beautiful people for a beautiful family and baby girl that we long to hold and play with. I know it's not fair to ask so much of such a little person but we did and had she not had such a good attitude about it all, I may have just got the details from the blog and second hand stories instead of witnessing the goodness in people's hearts with my own eyes. Every morning we would get out of bed and rush off and my little one would say, "I want to go to Matt and Holly's." She loved playing with the friends that came on various days and still is talking about all the new buddies from last week. We look forward to more fun times with them at the Linden home, when we can all sit back on the deck or grass and enjoy each other's company!

No Work

2008-05-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

The little one has been having a bit of a hard time lately with the work schedule. She does fine with Daddy and is happy to have the time with him but doesn't like the idea of Mommy going off to work. On several occasions she has said, "I don't like work," with a bit of a quivering lip. It pulls on the heart strings a small amount but the reality that sometimes Mom has to go take care of business is an important thing for her to realize. We are fortunate enough to be able to avoid outside childcare 90% of the time which I feel is a pretty amazing feat with two working parents.

I mentioned last time that she started school. The first couple weeks went great. I dropped her off with a hug and a kiss. She confidently said, "Bye Mommy" and went off to play. Then the third week, a phone call. I had to pick her up about 20 minutes early because she was getting a little sad and asking for me. The whole session is only 2 1/2 hours but I think it's enough to begin the adjustment to a pre-school program.

The last two weeks she protested me leaving. There was a little crying and pleading, along with insisting I stay. I wait until circle time begins and firmly tell her it's time for me to leave to which she responds, "I don't like work." So the manipulation begins. Of course, once I walk out the door and the teachers begin to engage her, she's fine and enjoys herself. Her favorite activities are art class, singing and stories. They tell me she loves books. She is the same at home. She loves to go through the bookshelf and read a book, toss it on the floor, and get the next book. Our current favorites are the Winnie the Pooh series and Curious George. This little routine of hers finds Mommy picking up the same set of books 4 times a day and placing them back on the shelf. Why not just leave them there until the end of the day? If you ask, you obviously don't know me that well or are not familiar with my OCD tendencies.

So we press on with the once a week schooling with the hopes that the relapse of separation anxiety will subside. I don't see how it will get any better by pulling her out of the class and I also don't think it's any coincidence that we are going through it at a time where I have been working more. It's all a part of growing up, much of the time I would rather not go to work too.

Another Runner in the Family

2008-04-14T15:05:00.001-07:00

There's been a lot of action around here the last couple weeks. The little one started Pre-School Prep class, she claimed her first medal, had her first Legoland experience and somewhere in the middle I turned the calendar on another year. By the way, thank you for all the phone calls and well wishes!

I'm not sure what she found most exciting but the enthusiasm for the race t-shirt she received may be an indicator. She actually asked to sleep with it the first night she got it and insisted on wearing it the whole weekend. Part of it stems from her new love for all things pirate. When she saw that the shirt had a treasure chest on the back, she about lost it. She's taken to calling me, "Pirate Mommy." It's strange...but cute.

Well, you never know how these things are going to go. You ask if they want to do a run like Mommy & Daddy and they say yes. There's lots of talk about it for the months and weeks leading up to it but when the race administer says "GO", all bets are off. As we waited our turn in the swarm of two year-old's and their parents anticipating the 30 seconds for their kid to shine, I explained to my little girl that she needed to run to the balloons and she'll get a medal. She nodded her head in understanding and repeated, "Run to the balloons."

So far so good. We saddled up next to her best buddy, also running, and they were off. She did well and with a bit of encouraging along the way, reached the balloons and received her medal.

Now, daily she walks through the house proudly wearing her accomplishment and I am happy to have the video footage for the family archives. I may need to take a cue from the little one and when I need a little confidence builder maybe I should strut around the house with my marathon medals.

We hope to make it an annual event. The announcer made mention of a 17 year old girl running in her 17th Carlsbad 5000 (5K), she started in the diaper dash at one and has been in the event every year since! How great is that. I think it's the little achievements of significance like that, that add up to a complete and fulfilling life. It's about goals, accomplishment, bettering yourself and having something to look forward to. I love it!

Ahoy!

To Annabelle

2008-04-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Oh sweet Annabelle, how loved you are. I can picture your little face in my head, at least what I imagine it may look like, and it makes me smile. What a beautiful baby girl! Our family considers you a part of it already and my little girl already talks of her friend by name. She had the opportunity to play with some of your toys the other day and expressed her approval. Your little baby Aubrey has now been renamed Boo, but of course you are at liberty to change it to any name you wish. I look forward to being able to hold you if only I am able to tear you away from your Mommy's arms.

You have been blessed with wonderful loving parents who will do anything for you. The challenges put before them are great but the thought of your sweet presence is one that makes every step of the way a worthwhile journey. I know you will return their love in great quantity with a simple smile or laugh. Your Mom and Dad have already touched so many lives around them by witnessing their desire to make your life a wonderful one. They continue to be an example of God's great love and grace, even through their heartache. Oh how I love them dearly.

It's difficult for me to write this without totally breaking down in tears. You see, that's what a love so deep does. The type of love only given by our God who so loves us. It cuts right to the heart and humbles even the strongest man. Thank you for being an example of His love for all His children, especially me.

A Few Notes

2008-03-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

So far we're having fun being two!

New realizations: candy, cake, juice and PRESENTS! And they keep coming. Everyone has been overly kind to our little one and I think she has been sufficiently spoiled that it' s going to be difficult to recover. She now expects a new package in the mail every other day and after it is opened she asks, "Open it again Mommy." I usually oblige, one time only, packaging up the surprise again and letting her do the honors once more.

Beyond that she continues to be the chatter bug. Her vocabulary grows each day as does her grasp on the English language. A few months ago I considered her putting 3 or 4 words together as making sentences, but now she is really making sentences. When Daddy said at dinner last night, "I like broccoli." The little munchkin responded with, "I like broccoli too." She even hit the voice inflection and accented the "too" by bringing her tone up a few notes.

She's been saying all sorts of funny and cute things. A few nights ago, our family of three ended up on the couch together enjoying the Apple TV screen saver and at one point the little one says, "Who's that cute baby?" Hhmm, who do you think?

There is a bit of maturing that has happened at two, to my great pleasure. She is better at staying within a manageable distance in public places instead of just taking off to whatever shiny thing is in eye shot. We were at the mall, with plenty of distractions in every direction and she stayed within five feet of me and when I called her or asked her to stay near, she responded accordingly. It may sound fairly trivial, but lest us not underestimate the value of a simple concept.

With the age of two comes the attitude as well. Let's just say it's not my most favorite thing but we work on it...daily, minute by minute. Many of those minutes being apologetic and confined to time out. I must remind myself that the rewards will come in the future. Be tough now and it will pay off in spades down the line. The reality is, every age has it's own challenges and how you respond to them will mold the little tyke into the adult they will become.

I pray it's a good one!

TWO!

2008-03-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hooray, the little one is two today! Thank you to our blogger friends for all the the birthday tribute posts. It's nice to know the vastness and infinite qualities of the internet are not lost on our little girl. Tell her Happy Birthday and she responds with a smile, "Happy Birthday!"

By 12 noon she had consumed one cupcake, a handful of french fries, ice cream sundae with whipped cream and cherry on top and lets not forget the jelly beans. The little one's world reached new heights with the first taste of candy. Sweet, sweet jelly beans. She consumed about 5 of them and responded with a, "mmmm...jellies. " It was not my intention to introduce candy today, but it had to happen sooner or later so why not the big bday. We were at an Easter egg hunt/petting zoo and when her and her buddy sat down to check out the contents of the eggs, the first one he opened was filled with jelly beans. Before I could stop them, he had handed her the savory treat to share in the delight. That's the way it goes.

So the day has been full of fun and smiles, as every parent would wish for their child. I have plans to take her to her first movie sometime soon. I'm pretty sure she'll freak out at the hugeness of the TV. If only they had a feature of The Little Einsteins. Perhaps Horton Hears a Hoo will be the first movie. It's sure to be an adventure but with enough popcorn, and jellybeans, I think she'll love it!

As a side note: I pressed the publish post button just as the joyful tune of "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain" could be heard from the little one's room. She just woke up from her nap and started singing. Looks like she's ready for the celebrations to continue.

Cheese

2008-03-05T14:12:00.001-08:00

With the second birthday coming next week, I decided it would be nice to get some photos taken to mark the passing of another year. The last time we went in for a sitting was a year ago so it felt like it was time. Having done this a few times prior, I told myself this time will be different. For anyone who has never had this excruciating experience, it goes something like this.

There is much thought about what she should wear and how to do the hair etc. etc. Then you get in the room with the photographer who is all of about 18 years old and quickly realize that you are going to have to take control of the situation. They offer no suggestions or advice on how to get your cute little darling to look at the camera, much less smile, or even stay in one place. It's painful but you persist and hope for just one money shot that will be worthy of the memory books. When the photo shoot is finished, you wait.

About 20 minutes later, if your child hasn't already melted down they soon will as you sit down at their fancy computer to view the results. This is where I begin to meltdown. A little known fact about me, I have no trouble making the big decisions in life it's the small ones that I anguish over. I guess I'm really afraid to make the wrong decision and end up with post purchase dissonance. There I am looking at all the photos and having to pick one, so as not to break the bank on photo purchases. Packages usually start in the $150 range and that's for a so/so (I was here) sampling. But I only want to spend $50. Well, that gets me just about nothing that I will be happy with. It goes on and on and sure enough, I walk out with a $140 bill and a few photos to show for it. At least I got one of every shot I sorta liked and I feel kinda ripped off but I ultimately dismiss it because it's for the history books.

As I said, this time was going to be different. This time I'm going with backup. Another Mom and I went with our almost two year olds and we both seemed relieved when the other agreed to go. It turned out that photographing a 2 year old was much easier than at 1 year. The smiles come easier and she didn't try to dash outside of the sitting room and into the mall every time I stepped back for the shot. It was nice having another opinion, or at least someone to validate mine, on which photos to choose and how many. The nice people at The Picture People allowed us to do our photos individually but as one sitting. We were able to purchase one package and split it, selecting as many poses as we liked. It was still overpriced but at least I got more for the money and a few pictures I'm really happy with.

Why is this important to me? I wondered this myself but what it comes down to is I want it for the little one. When she is older, I want her to be able to know her history and what she was like as a child. I have no photos from my childhood taken at a formal sitting and I only have one baby picture all told. There are a few school photos from odd years that I somehow stored away and saved in my own memory books. I look at my husband's photo archive and it is rich with pictures of him from age 0 through high school. He had regular sittings, almost monthly, when he was a baby and it's nice to have to look back on. I hope she enjoys them, I know I will.

Around Town

2008-02-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

Is anybody else's Internet moving at a snail's pace? I feel like I'm back in the prehistoric days of dial up. Cox's advertising must be so successful that they have succeeded in overselling the local hub and we must live too far from the main thingamajig to receive the "lightning fast" speeds promised.

Oh well. I figure it's good for me to sit and be patient. That's one thing the little one and I have been working on. I took her with me down to the city to pull a couple building permits and when she would start to get antsy I would tell her, "Be patient please." It's really a cruel thing to ask an almost two year old. Sit in your stroller, talk in hushed tones and read your book...for over an hour. She is getting more tolerant of my demands and on this occasion did surprisingly well. Even other people remarked at what a good job she was doing. As we left the building I thanked her and told her what a good job she did at being patient. When Daddy came home that evening and asked her what she did that day, she replied with a smile, "I was patient." Music to my ears.

As the little one approaches her 2nd birthday it occurs to me how our time together has changed a bit. She has become more of a companion rather than an appendage. I'm use to hauling her everywhere I go and she enjoys the routine and chats along in the backseat. As we drive down the freeway she points and tells me that that's where Ms. Allison is, or there is where we bought a friend bubbles for a birthday gift. She is familiar with her surroundings and has opinions about where and what we do.

We recently started making regular trips to the Farmer's Market. It's on Thursday mornings and it is very enjoyable for both of us. The little one likes to try the fruit samples and I enjoy picking up fresh veggies and flowers. Today was particularly fun for her as strawberries are now in prime season and they are grown right here in our own city. After one taste of Oceanside strawberry, she begs for more. I buy a basket and it keeps her happy while I shop. The broccoli is far tastier than anything we buy at the store, even the Mr. agrees and he is known to be more particular and vocal about his feelings than most. She and I both tasted the oranges and agreed they were suitable for purchase. The weather was beautiful so we walked around a bit and when she was done she said, "All done Farmer's Market." I take the cue and as we walk to the car it's, "Bye, Bye Farmers Market. See you next time."

It's nice to have her company.

Averting Disaster

2008-02-14T13:36:00.001-08:00

I've spent the last few weeks dedicating my non-mommy time to fulfilling the needs of the family business. Thankfully, we've made it through the slow winter months, typical of the construction industry, and have an optimistic look for spring. Beyond that is unsure but such is the way it goes when you choose to not answer to the "man" and risk it on your own. Although if the skies continue to dump as they are at this moment, the whole business may dump right along with it. I will try to be thankful for the rain as several people this week have informed me of the impending doom of water rationing. Yesterday news reports that if all things continue as is (whatever that means), Lake Mead will dry up by the year 2021.

It's a shame really. Just thinking about Lake Mead stirs up many fond (and not so fond) memories beginning from my childhood. I first learned to water ski on that lake and hoped to one day teach my little one to do the same. Come to think of it, there were many firsts on the lake. Lake Mead is also where I first broke down and jumped from a burning boat. It was the first time the boat blew away and washed up between some rocks miles from our campsite, and the first time I was shipwrecked on the beach with a broken prop and hole in the boat.

On second thought, maybe we should just let the water be sucked dry. I will consider it an opportunity to end some generational curse and forge ahead to bluer waters where my children will thrive. It will be uneventful boating excursions from here on out.

But seriously, then it wouldn't be this family. The family that thrives on adventure and mishaps. It's what keeps our bond strong and provides hours of entertaining stories. The stories you almost doubted you would live to tell. You shake your head but secretly know that a little piece of you is better for the experience.

Venting.

2008-01-24T21:38:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days where I felt incapable of playing the role of loving mommy, supportive wife, able homemaker, and ambitious businesswoman. It all came crashing down on me this morning and settled on my head by 2pm. The rest of the day was spent swimming with leg weights, which was good since the morning workout got tossed out the window when the quick call to the architect turned into a 30 minute lecture how the city won't issue a building permit until we finish these 3 pages (single spaced) of corrections ($$$). I mostly felt like I failed my little one because I was too distracted to give her the attention she deserves.

We made it to a playdate at one of her best buddies so it was a bit of redemption. She had a great time socializing, and snacking. I was able to reset to normal and persevere through the grocery shopping and evening chores.

At the end of the day I got dinner on the table, cleaned the kitchen, bathed the child and got a kiss goodnight from the munchkin. I would say it wasn't such a bad day after all.

A Bit of Raw Emotion

2008-01-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

Hooray for post number 25! I wasn't sure if I had the stamina nor ability to get this far. I suppose ability is irrelevant as blogger.com does not require a resume, education background, or proof of any actual talent to start a silly blog and put words on the screen. It's fun to hammer out a few details every now and again and allow friends and family to keep up with the happenings.

And now for a few happenings.

I've discussed in the past how emotionally freeing it has been having a child. I laugh more, show more frustration, have a tendency to raise my voice on occasion, and cry a whole lot more. Mostly tears of joy. Last week the tears were that of sorrow and mourning with the death of a dear family friend. A lady who helped us buy our 1st home here in Oceanside and gave us the encouragement to make it great! She is great and will be missed. I attended the memorial service last Friday and it was just perfect. Exactly as Joan wanted it, on her favorite beach with her very closest friends and family. No pretense and no formalities. Just a raw show of emotion as those close to her shared and grieved as one. Joan was a woman who was passionate about life which she did her best to instill in her four sons. Her death, although difficult, ended a courageous and painful fight with cancer and for that I'm thankful.

At one point during the service, a song was played at Joan's request. The song was "I Hope You Dance," and as the chorus started two dolphins jumped out of the water right in front of our group of mourners, swam a couple hundred feet up the coast, turned around and swam back by, then disappeared. I was already in tears but now with a big smile on my face and I could feel God's presence right there among us.

Joan was a woman of great faith and loved her Creator. I was told that she was ready for her time on Earth to end, however painful it was to leave her children and grandchildren, and ready to be with her husband, and the Lord, in heaven. It speaks volumes about a person's life when at their weakest, they are able to strengthen everyone around them and so she did. I ask that we all say a prayer for her four sons who are hurting beyond imagine. God Bless.

Let is also be said how amazing little kids are. Later in the day on Friday, I was sitting on the living room floor playing with my cute little girl. Pretty normal stuff. Although I wasn't showing it, I was still feeling quite sad and weepy inside but having fun playing with playdough and my daughter, who is not the most affectionate of little people. Completely uninitiated, she walks over to me and gives me a big hug and turns around to go back to playing and with her back to me says, "I wuv you." I needed that.

Joan's last request: Go feed the birds. So we did and we all left smiling.

The Day To Day

2008-01-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

If there is anybody with great potty training advice, bring it on. This is a hot subject around the house and not because the big people are pushing it.

A few months ago, the little one got very interested in using the "potty" but that was a fleeting phase like the rest of them. Then it was an obstinate "NO" at the mention of the toilet. It was obvious from her face that she was thinking, "Why would I do that when I have this perfectly good (and expensive) diaper at the ready whenever I get "the feeling", as Elmo says. So I canned the idea of early potty training and decided that she would let me know when she is ready.

So, she is back to flirting with using the potty, but I know better. She has yet to actually ask to go and make it happen. We, I mean she, successfully uses the toilet every night before bath so I know she's capable. The honest truth is I dread this inevitable life transition as it is as much trauma for the parent as is for the child. I'm not prepared to familiarize myself with every acceptable, semi-clean public restroom within a ten mile radius of the house and I most certainly will not carry a portable john in the car. I will continue to let the little one lead the way and I'm sure when she is truly ready, diaper-free we will be. I expect it to be at least another 8 months away so I will be sure to have future posts on the subject. You have been forewarned.

Of more interest, the little tyke is showing herself to be quite social. Who knew? We were at the park yesterday and when she saw a couple boys playing on another play structure, she pointed and said, "kids, yea kids." Then she ran over to the oblivious little boys and said, "hi guys." Although her presence was not acknowledged nor greeting returned, she watched and laughed as the boys continued their play. It was cute. So is her needing to bring a toy/baby/stuffed animal with her every time we walk out of the house to go somewhere. This morning it was her Christmas ornaments that never made it back to the attic, or as she calls them "decorations." I'm sure they were stoked at Jazzercise when we walked in with a handful of stuff for them to be responsible for, as if 20 kids wasn't enough.

But that's what being one is all about.

Ahh, Exhale.

2008-01-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

I resolve to post more than twice a month. Lofty ambitions but the motto of the year, "Life is great in 2008", deserves nothing less.

We made it through the holiday cheer. December was a whirlwind that left both the little one and myself longing for the daily, mundane routine: wake up early, drink coffee/milk, play a little, clean a little, dress, workout, play some more, nap, eat, play while cleaning, make dinner, eat, play while doing dishes, bathe, read, and sleep. Life IS great in 2008, so far.

The little one enjoyed all the visiting with family and playing with the cousins. It was truly a joy to watch. I've been impressed with how well she plays with kids of all ages. She was able to hang with the older cousins, ages 9 and 11, without being an annoying little kid. At one point during Christmas dinner, the adults were still hanging around the dinner table drinking and chatting it up, while the kids "repaired" to the living room. The oldest was playing a game on his new laptop while his sister watched on one side and my little one sat on his other side, quietly watching and chiming in appropriate comments and questions to which he gave answers. When the littler kids came over for New Year's, she happily shared the toys and let them crawl/walk all over her, literally.

She came out of the month of December with quite the working vocabulary and a love for babies. We have reached the playing with baby stage. At this very moment, I hear her saying, "I love you baby (kiss sound)." "Sit right here baby." "Oops, baby bonked head."

It is great. Let's do 2008!

Greetings From The Island

2007-12-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

Ahh vacation!

Coming from the island of Oahu, the family has successfully traversed the great Pacific but not without a host of challenges. The little one came down with a nasty cold. Snot nose, coughing, fever and general misery in a presurrized cabin at 30K feet calls for two things: bottomless bloody mary's and Benadryl. I honestly felt like I was torturing the poor child, but what do you do when the vacation is already bought and payed for?

I think she has recovered from the experience as she is enjoying being with her cousin. They are 3 1/2 months apart and at a fun age where they are able to communicate in their own toddler way. It's funny how they seem to understand what the other is saying quite well but sometimes they just look at eachother in a half blank stare, half head-cocked curiosity.

There was quite a bit of action yesterday, marathon day. Although I wasn't running, I experienced a marathon of my own managing the two munchkins. It wouldn't have been so bad if we hadn't pulled them out of bed at 3am. They were troopers and thank goodness for LazyBoy style car seats and dvd players.
If only I had a second stroller the day would have been a breeze. I traded the typical post-marathon leg pain for bicep soreness from carrying a 30 pound two year old while napping through the mud and crowds during a downpour while pushing the other in the stroller. Oh, I was also carrying everyones gear in my pack on my back. (Excuse the Seussism, just read One Fish, Two Fish....)

So now it's time to relax. The kids have returned to their normal selves, mostly. The runny nose will not let up and the irritability is getting the best of my little one but we press on. I have high hopes that the salt water and humid air will provide the cure to all of our woes if only the rain will stop. If we don't make it to the beach there are hours of entertainment to be had for us proud parents as we watch the munchkins dance, play, interact and be silly. Afterall, we are in paradise.

2007-11-27T13:12:00.003-08:00

Is anybody reading this? I think I have sufficiently diminished my audience to the always supportive girlfriend and obligatory read from the husband. You know who you are. So the pressures off and I will post when I darn well please. Actually that's not true at all. My desire is greater than one would think if only I could get the toddler to go play for a good half hour while I struggle to put a few cohesive, semi-interesting notes about her on the screen.

The little one is displaying more independence of late and it's bittersweet for Mom. The thought of my helpless little baby who depends on me for all life substance morphing into the head-strong, do-it myself little person breaks my heart a bit. Then I get over it, especially when the reality sets in that I just had my morning cup of coffee uninterrupted and washed all the dishes without a little person attached to my legs. And just when I think she can't get any cuter...sorry, I'll stop right there.

A favorite in the house right now is the Hulabaloo band. It's actual parent tolerable kid music. Although, with repetition all things become tired and so this CD is no longer met with the parent enthusiasm as it once was. Time to buy their other CD. It's funny that kids are the opposite. The more familiar and repetitive, the more attached they become.

The little one has mastered operating the play button on her CD player and thus has discovered new freedoms. We will be contently playing downstairs when out of the blue she says, "music (pause) on" and marches upstairs to her bedroom. When I don't hear from her for 10 minutes or so my curiosity brings me upstairs to find her laying on her floor or reading a book while swaying to the sounds of She'll be Coming Around the Mountain. Then she'll look up at me and say "whoa back" and "hi babe" and I just wish someone else was with me to share the moment.

And I Give You...The Ah Puh Tuss!

2007-11-01T12:05:00.001-07:00

Yep, she picked it. If you haven't heard already at The Most Significant Thing, the little one picked her costume and it garnered her winner of the costume contest! Here is our little "ah-puh-tuss" receiving her award certificate from the nice girls at WeeStart

I'm still whirling from the fantastic Halloween festivities. It was a good one to be sure: the pumpkins were carved with skill, cute kids running around in equally cute costumes, fun friends, lots of sweets, and more rings on the doorbell than you get all year. I consider yesterday the primer for the "biggy" holidays that will soon be upon us and judging by the enthusiasm of the munchkin, it's going to be an exhausting, but beautiful Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I struggle to express how enjoyable it was to watch her figure out the whole trick or treat thing. I can imagine what she was thinking. I'm dressed in this funny costume, it's dark outside and we are going to knock on the neighbor's doors? From the moment the first familiar face opened the door and handed her a piece of candy, which she promptly placed in her bucket, she was hooked. It didn't take much coaxing to get her to the next house and although she had never had candy before, she knew it was something special. As her bucket got heavy, I thought I would help her carry it, no way. I was met with resistance as she tightened her death grip on the handle opting for me to carry her, bucket firmly held.

In an effort to be festive, the family dressed in theme, for the second year in a row. Bouncing of the marine motif from the octopus, we appropriately dressed as pirates. It seemed fitting since the pirate ship is already docked in the driveway of the house.

The little one seem thoroughly unimpressed by our pirate costumes. You win one contest and you become a costume snob.

So we cruise into November with only pictures to remind us of the good time and a little voice who from time to time exclaims, "Ah puh tuss" and "bucket" as she ingrains the memory a little bit deeper in her active little brain.

A Normal Day

2007-10-26T12:31:00.001-07:00

Oh what a crazy week it's been! I've been hearing much of that as life returns to it's routine and the daily faces reappear. The funny thing is over the past five years I felt that we Americans are becoming too holed up in our own bubble and not interfacing with strangers enough, with our Internet shopping, cell phones in the car and on demand TV. This week I've realized how much I depend on the daily interaction with unfamiliar faces in the grocery store and the friendly conversation with the lady friends at Jazzercise. I've concluded that most of us our not the hermits I suspected us to be. We are social beings and will continue being such no matter how convenient modern inventions may become.

As for the little social being in my life, she is done with the sequestering. Poor thing just wants to go "owtsite". She wants to play, run around in the grass, climb in her swing, go to the park, and play with friends. Let life be normal, let the routine return. It's unfortunate when you spend a concentrated amount of effort in limiting TV time and encouraging the outside play and a week like this happens and you can't think of one good reason to not allow another viewing of Little Einsteins.

On a side note, Little Einsteins is good toddler TV! We've been pretty choosy when it comes to the shows we let the little tike watch. We have yet to expose her to Barney, Dora, Wiggles, or Teletubbies perhaps for the sole reason that we just can't stomach them ourselves but it's unanimous in our house, Little Einsteins is a hit. It's cute when the little one mimics the show at random moments while playing, she says, "pat, pat, pat" as she pats her legs and puts her hands in the air and yells, "blast off". "Mission", she says with a big smile. For those unfamiliar, each episode takes four characters on a mission with the aid of their pal Rocket. There is a piece of art and musical score of the day that appears throughout the show as they travel to historic landmarks and faraway lands composed in a combination of live stills, traditional and computer animation. No doubt one day she'll come home from a friends house and beg for the big purple dinosaur but until then, I win.

We are back to life as usual today. The office phone is ringing again and the Mom's group calendar no longer has red even cancelled lines through it. It's been an unforgettable week for our family and historic in it's own right. History is likely to repeat itself but we will all pray that it's less devastating the next time around.

It's the Yay Mommy Moments That Count

2007-10-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

What a lousy, unreliable blogger I am. If you are reading this, I thank you for your tolerance and ask that you chalk it up to another person trying your patience. I only hope the content will be interesting enough to make it excusable. Now on to today's happenings.

It seems the little one fancies herself a comedian, thus more proof she is her Father's daughter. The latest phrase, "I'm fuh-nee," has brought even more smiles to the house. But like her Dad, what is "fuh-nee" to her, may not be so funny to Mommy. For example, during meals (which are a battle in themselves) the munchkin will put food item such as a grape tomato in her mouth, swish it around, and spit it out. After which, she says, "I'm fuh-nee" with a big giggle. However cute it is when she says it, I respond with the poker face and pretend like it never happened. Funny.

But it's not all bad. She's taken to celebrating her bowel movements by exclaiming, "Yay, poo poo", which I'm pretty sure she learned from Daddy. The other day while in the midst of the thankless chore of changing a stinky diaper, the little one says, "Yay, poo poo" followed by, "Yay, Mommy." Now that is appreciation! All the angst of a mundane chore was melted away and replaced with warm fuzzies. This is what being a Mommy is all about.

Hay!

2007-10-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

Something about the holidays brings out the kid in me and never more now that the little tot is around. After attempting to explain Halloween for a couple weeks, I decided to have her pick out a costume online and boy was she excited when it arrived in the mail. Ask her what she is going to be for Halloween and she responds without hesitation (at least with Mommy and Daddy). I shall hold back revealing the actual costume for a future post, say Nov. 1st.

We figured no October is complete without a visit to the pumpkin patch and I've been hearing about Bates Nut Farms in Valley Center for quite some time. I dragged the family out there last Saturday and wow, what a place. If there ever is a definition of what a pumpkin patch should be, this is it! Pumpkins galore of every size, shape, variety and color. Somehow we went home with a 100 pound pumpkin, proudly displayed at The Most Significant Thing.

The little one had fun too. In her words, it was "aysiem". For the first time in her short life she was game for everything, which made the whole day entirely more enjoyable for all of us. She had a visit to the petting zoo which upon exiting she repeated, "Good bye goats, good bye pigs, etc. etc." I was not so sure about the pony rides since our first experience back in June was more of a torture session than fun, not even making it one time around the mini corral. In an effort to try and try again, I waited out the 1 hour pony ride line and placed the munchkin on a pretty white pony. She lit up! After a suspenseful wait while they loaded up, fed, and watered the animals, we were off and it sent her into giggles. As hoped, it was a perfect photo op as she smiled and waved to Daddy the camera man.

We couldn't keep her still through lunch with the super inflatable slide and jumper in sight. At first inspection, Daddy said he didn't think she was quite ready for it but her obvious enthusiasm won out. Father and daughter climbed the ladder and down they came, all smiles. By the second time she was going down by herself.

It was a memorable day.

We may have simply caught her on a "good" day but, if this is any indication of what is to be in the coming months, sign me up for every hay ride, tree lot, costume contest, and Santa visit. It's a joy to experience all of these things for the first time, again.

Of Concern

2007-10-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

An interesting article sites that children no longer fear the parental role, or authority figures as a whole. Let me clarify by qualifying fear as equating to respect. This has troubled me for quite some time, ever since I experienced it first hand working at a middle school a few years back. The chaos that occurred in many of the classrooms was shocking. The students did not respect, nor fear, their teachers and punishment was regarded with a so-what attitude. I dismissed it with the understanding that this was an under performing school with low socio-economics and I didn't presume it to be a part of a larger trend. My fear is that this unruly attitude displayed by students is happening in vast numbers around the country.

Yesterday radio talk show host Dennis Prager referred back to the above mentioned article in an interview with David Klinghoffer, author of Shattered Tablets: Why We Ignore the Ten Commandments at Our Peril, as they attributed this phenomenon to that of a secular society. It was a terrific interview which I hate to butcher by attempting to paraphrase so if you have some time its well worth listening to or getting it on podcast or something. I was certainly compelled to pick up the book.

I mention this as I struggle with learning how to be a parent/disciplinarian of a toddler trying to establish her place in this family by testing her boundaries....constantly. Everyone has different ideas about parenting and I will not claim to know who is right and wrong. I attempt to do what is consistent with my value system, based on my Christian faith.

With that said, our intention (I will go out on a limb and speak for the Mr. as I believe us to be on the same page here) is to have a loving home, with clear boundaries and consequences where Mom and Dad do know best, and they don't let the kids win at games either. This is not to say I think we will always be right, but as long as we remain fairly reasonable people, respect is due on the shear notion that we are the adults. I hope to be as clear headed about it in the thick of the moment when the little one is trying and testing me beyond my patience. We shall see but I will keep the article by Patricia Dalton close by and hang the Ten Commandments in her room with "Honor thy Mother & Father" highlighted, underlined, and circled. I don't make the rules, God does.

Playing the Field

2007-09-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm back in the dating scene, not that I was ever any good at it the first time around. This time it's pursuing and being pursued by other Moms and oh, how great it is. It's surprising how aggressive women can be when looking for a play companion for their beautiful pride and joy. The secret truth is the child playmate line is a disguise for a desperate need to find other women to share in this joyous experience of child-rearing. The fact that they probably have a vocabulary greater than 100 words and talk in full sentences is icing on the cake.

When the little one was about 12 months old it became obvious that smiling at her while doing dishes or turning pages of a book while working at the computer just wasn't going to cut it. She demanded more and rightly so. It was clear that if we didn't get more structured activity, out of the house, we were going to make each other crazy. I found a local Mom's group online, enrolled in a kids play gym and scoped out all the local parks and now we have more activities than we can handle and it's made our relationship even better. Simply put, we have more fun!

I remember feeling that the playgroup thing just wasn't for me. Sounded too, I don't know, desperate. Seeking out what amounts to total strangers to play with your kid. How foolish I was. My only regret is not getting involved sooner. I enjoy chatting with other Mom's about the good, bad, and indifferent of having kids and what great resources! When you get 10 Mothers together in a room, it's safe to say there isn't much that they haven't seen as it pertains to the little tikes. Consequently, I've met some really wonderful women to which we have scheduled our own, smaller playdates. I love this picture from a recent park playdate with a little boy born 4 days before the little one, at the same hospital, delivered by the same doctors.

Thumbs up on the Mom's groups and having an abundance of opportunities to meet other parents and kids the same age. Anyone considering joining a playgroup, don't hesitate, it's well worth it!

Coming of Age...In Humor

2007-09-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

The cat is 18 years old today. Wow! Of course to him this is just another day in the burbs, sleep on the area rug, eat dry food from dish, sip water, return to area rug, move to couch for some afternoon sun, and repeat until dinner time where the humans dish out the miniature rations of fatty can food. Little does he realize that today he's in for a treat. I've decided to double his dinner portion in celebration of his birth! Poor old cat.

The little one enjoys her kitty. She knows how to "pet nicely", mostly thanks to the cat himself who taught her what happens when you don't. This kid is learning all kinds of new things. To our great enjoyment, she found her sense of humor. Last week it was just laughter, laughter, laughter. She makes herself laugh too. I never considered myself particularly funny, (pause for wise cracks) but the little one thinks I'm hilarious. Her current favorite is "If your happy and you know it," I get to "do all three...clap, stomp hooray" and she loses it. It's a wonderful thing! I smile just thinking about her smile and laughter.

The new, more jovial side of the little one came as quite a relief. When she was itty bitty, from about 4 months on, I remember feeling like I was doing something wrong. This little baby just didn't seem happy. There was the occasional smile, but we really had to work for it and forget trying to get a laugh from her. She was quite serious. Showing no physical resemblance to myself, I figured she must have inherited this less than desirable trait. I'm pretty serious, or at least thats the way it appears. Even the Mr. gets frustrated because I never laugh at his jokes but what he doesn't realize is I internalize my laughter. It's there, it's just not so obvious.

Well, I hope that the little one is less serious and easier to humor than myself. This week's breakthrough has me much more hopeful. In response to her laughter, I'm laughing more too. Bonus!

Then and Now

2007-09-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

I've been sufficiently rocked by the last week, something had to give and so it ended with silence from The Mundane Details. Either there was nothing mundane to report or all was just too mundane to record and heaven forbid others must hear about it. I believe it was the latter. The sum total of the last week was illness, work, chores, insomnia and a sickly child.

More importantly we reached a minor milestone last Friday (not so mundane) which insighted much reflection on my part. The little one turned 18 months on the 14th! It was eighteen months ago that my life was forever changed. When I was pregnant it was not uncommon for a parent to tell me, "Just wait, it will change your life." Always with the emphasis on the "Oh, you just wait." Like I was joining them in some painful punishment they have been sentenced to and I rarely heard the good stuff.

They were certainly right, life did change. My heart is bigger, I love more intensely, I have a greater appreciation for the littlest accomplishments, my faith is greater, I'm less selfish and I am an overall more fulfilled person. Life is a tremendous blessing and I appreciate this life more observing it through the eyes of someone experiencing it all for the first time. I remember how entertaining it was to watch the little one learn to sit. She would take tiny steps backward, feel her legs hit the object, then squat until her rear touched down. The fireplace hearth turned out to be the perfect height for her to practice and she would repeat the process over and over again, with a big smile. Such a simple task yet a tremendous concept.

Not to say it hasn't been difficult. The rough times are harder to remember, another way nature fools us into repeating the process I guess. But as in life, the pain and struggles that I have so far met in parenting have made me a wiser and more loving mom. I can't imagine returning to life as it was 19 months ago, nor would I ever wish to.

Another Overpriced Gadget?

2007-09-13T11:28:00.000-07:00

Our friends at The Most Significant Thing have been singing the praises of the Appletv and it's time I (the significant other) weigh in on the subject. In one word, Awesome! I am an admitted naysayer of all things hyped as coolest gadget ever, mostly because we have too many gadgets as it is, but the little white box has proven it's worth and space it occupies in the house.

It was a difficult evening with the little one. No doubt a result of a nap cut too short therefore blessing our dinner table with a meltdown of cosmic proportions. At this point you just submit. No use in trying to placate in an effort to get those last few bites. Nope, straight to bath we go, followed by an abbreviated bedtime routine, a few last belly screams and dreamland she goes. I returned to dinner and kindly, the mister waited to finish his meal until the interruption was resolved, at which time we silently finished off our dinners. We adjourned to the tv room to re-live the last 5 years via the Appletv screensaver and that was that. No talking heads on FoxNews, no lame tv shows, just the relaxing tunes of our selected evening playlist with the scrolling scenes from our life. One hour later I was sufficiently wound down from the day and ready for bed.

The little one is probably the biggest fan of our newest gadget. She enjoys the pictures and calling out the names of the faces as they appear, "Daddy", "Nid-nee", "An-tee ____", "Wy-no". etc., but her greatest joy is still the home movies that she affectionately calls, "buh-dee". It's cute. For some reason she still can't, or won't, say movie so she walks around asking for her "buh-dee" with a firm grasp on the little white Appletv remote control. I'm quite sure she could sit for hours watching the same 5 short buh-dees. I will resist the temptation to let her.

So is the Appletv as great as it's cracked up to be, yes! Do we enjoy it everyday, yes! Would I recommend it to everyone, yes! Is it worth the $400 price tag, not really, but for the $150 we paid, it's a bargain. So thanks to the giver of Apple gift cards!

The Pain Of It All

2007-09-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

Today is the day. Yep, today is the first official day of marathon training. No more excuses...no more procrastinating...only three months until the big run. It's a considerable commitment but with my desire to do the stupid, the little munchkin makes the bigger sacrifice. It means countless hours of sitting and watching the world go by from the confinement of the stroller, strapped in and all.

In an attempt to be sympathetic to the needs of the child, I gear up with snacks, sippy cup, toys, etc. Rice cakes work great to keep her occupied for a chunk of the time while providing a scant amount of nutrition. Inevitably I end up stopping mid-stride several times to collect flying debris from the front seat, most commonly, shoes, socks, and sippy cup. She must have sensed the struggle from the driver of the stroller today, or possibly heard the panting, because she really came through with the affirmations. It was "You look great" and "Awesome" for 42 minutes. It seems I subconsciously chose the toy that repeats one of three phrases or plays a musical interlude when the button is pressed and the munchkin played along.

The little one is starting to do a little more playing and a little less crying today. It's been a rough couple weeks with this teething business. Judging by the volume and frequency of the cries in the house lately, it hurts. It's been fevers, middle of the night choking/coughing fits and constant whining for too long. I feel for her and thankfully we have successfully completed all four canine tooth eruptions at once. Just the 2 year molars remaining, for awhile at least. At a family 6th birthday party this weekend, a mom kindly informed me that there are the 6 year molars. Oh for goodness sake, when will it end! Teething bites.

It's all part of growing up. In some ways, I feel a greater purpose during the trying times. When the pain and discomfort are too much to handle the little one really wants her Mommy. I pick her up, hold her in my arms and rock her until she falls asleep. I lay her in her crib and camp out on the floor next to her bed until the next coughing attack and repeat the same. It's what parents do.

Discipline for Dummies

2007-09-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

In all the hours of preparing for baby classes, parenting classes, and breastfeeding classes there wasn't the slightest mention of how to discipline a toddler. Isn't this just as helpful to new parents as which breast pump has the most beats per minute? Not even a reader recommendation list!

We have definitely entered a new stage in parenting now that are once little baby uses the word "no" even when intending an obvious "yes". Do you want to go swimming and eats lots of candy and stay up past your bedtime...No! Yes, this is the beginning of the toddler phase. It seems my angry face "NO" does little to thwart the unwanted behavior. Quite the contrary. The little one just looks and laughs while continuing to do the act that just got her scolded. Since the "mean face" has been met with mockery, I figure it's time to try some more tested discipline methods. In an Amazon search of "toddler discipline", I came up with 183 books! No doubt there are more than twice as many theories on the subject, so trying to pick one based on who has the best looking book cover is not going to cut it.

Since I'm not a fan of The Supernanny tv show, I figured the best resource on the tried and proven is the actual Mommy network. Several Mom's I chatted with said they started implementing time out with their kids at 18 months with pretty good results. As a believer in this form of punishment I thought it was worth a go even though I questioned if she was too young for it to be effective.

I'm reminded of my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Hume. She would dish out "20 minute isolation" as regular punishment, but mostly for being disruptive in class. This meant you had to sit at a desk in the back of the room, back to the class, with one of those plastic kitchen timers set to 20 minutes. You could hear the low hum as the seconds ticked away. If you were lucky she would let you work on the current assignment otherwise, nothing, just staring at the back wall of the desk cubby, and no head on the desk naptime either. It's debateable whether it was actually effective in making long-term changes in the student's behavior, but one thing was for sure, the class proceeded without disruption if not just for the next 20 minutes. So I waited for the perfect opportunity to test it on the little one.

We are fortunate to have a Sparkletts water cooler at our home and get the delicious, crystal fresh water delivered right to our house. They even offer flouridated water so our child's teeth will grow strong and bright. In addition, they gave us two little faucet adapters to keep the little one from emptying the 5 gallon contents on our beautiful bamboo floors! Last week it happened. She figured out a way around the faucet lock as she says, "warfal." I immediately gave her a stern look accompanied with "NO", to which she thought, game on! After a few go arounds I pulled out my back pocket discipline plan, time out. The "experts" say 1 minute for each year of age. I held her in time out for a little over a minute while I explained what was going on, why she was being disciplined, and the whole concept of undesirable behavior leading to punishment. The crying started about 1/2 way into it and I thought, all the better, they're not suppose to enjoy it. This song and dance continued for another session and the third time, it worked. The threat of time-out actually deterred the behavior. Excellent!

This is not to say she doesn't still test her boundaries nor does she fully grasp the time-out discpline concept but I figure it certainly lays the foundation. It introduces the concept of consequences and it has empowered me as the disciplinarian. I just ask her "Do you want a time-out? and much of the time she replies, "no" and walks away from the situation. I've only had to use it a handful of times and hopefully it won't wear off as if it were the novelty of the week.

A minor success in what is sure to be a whole host of failures over the next seventeen years.

Let's Not Roll Out the Red Carpet Yet

2007-09-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

Do we choose our careers or do they just happen to us? And if they just happen to us, why are we so passive as to let such a significant aspect of our life "just happen"? I suppose it's both, and shouldn't be stated so simply. I can't help but think that if my parents had just nurtured my natural aptitude as a receiver in the flag football league, maybe I would have become the first female in the NFL.

Going into this parenting stuff, I had lots of opinions about how it should be done. Some I still hold to and live by with the little one, some I obviously had no idea what I was thinking, and others I still feel strongly about, but have accepted that I must choose my battles. I do still believe that I have some responsibility in recognizing and encouraging the natural talents that someday may present themselves in the little one. These abilities may in fact lead to her being able to choose a career path to get excited about. Yes, it sounds silly making such a statement seeing as she is only ONE year old, but if she shows an affinity to all things animal, I'm going to make an effort to expose her to wildlife. Paraphrasing Dennis Prager, "You're not raising a toddler, you're raising an adult."

One of the little one's newest words is "movie" but it really sounds more like "buh-dee". This has been one of her most enthusiastic words yet. From the moment she gets up, its "buh-dee" "peess" "peess". She climbs up in Daddy's chair and points at his computer screen "buh-dee". From her perspective, this is where the magic happens, this is where the movies are made. Daddy, a much-loved filmmaker, spends countless hours in front of his computer making fantastic shorts. If the little one is lucky, he lets her help. So I ask myself, will she continue in the paternal footsteps and desire to please audiences through visual storytelling or is this the normal manifestation of a child's obsession with television? Do I encourage her by letting her watch Daddy's camp movies over, and over, and over again? Will she be intolerably vain if she watches herself being cute one more time? At least these are actual real life people and places. Not like Elmo.

I'm leaning towards moderation. You never know, she may become a great film director who receives worldwide praise and accolades, or she may be a silly salesperson or contractor who spends her evenings putting together fun nostalgic films to entertain her loved ones. Either way, it's a win!

A Happy Coincidence

2007-08-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

My mornings use to consist of hopping out of bed (only after hitting snooze a couple times and trying to fool myself into believing it was Saturday), quick shower, dress and off to the car for the morning commute. Once in the office and completed the visual clock-in with the bossman, I would get that cup of coffee I've been hankering for all morning. Exchange kind words with co-workers and to the desk I go. This series of events is repeated by thousands everyday and for them I feel their pains.

Having our own business has allowed more freedom in this area. Most mornings begin by waking to the "joyful" noise of the little one, usually sometime around 6:15am. After tending to the basic baby needs, we go to the kitchen where she demands her morning 9oz of milk and I prepare a nice big pot of our house coffee for mommy and daddy. I catch up on the news and at 7am turn the tv on to Sunrise Earth in HD so I can ease into the day with the tranquil sights and sounds of nature. Sounds great, yeah?

This morning proceeded as normal. I turned on the tv wondering where in the world is the sunrising today. Yosemite! The little one's immediate response was "OOOHHH" followed by "warful warful"....mom's a genius. It was one of those fantastic mommy moments that you couldn't plan any better. Who knew?

I'm sure I will remember this morning much longer than she will. For it won't be long until the mommy "genius" moments dissipate and the little one will grow to be much smarter than I. For now I'll take it where I can get it.

Whoa, trees!

2007-08-29T13:22:00.001-07:00

Wow! Just back from a wonderful family vacation in Yosemite/Fish Camp. The beauty of the place will capture anybody and it was not lost on the little one. The road through the National Park is lined with lush greenery and big trees to which the little narrator in the back repeats, "Whoa" and "Oh" and "trees" thus making the drive thoroughly entertaining. It pleases me to see her appreciation of nature at such a young age.

We spent several days just relaxing in the cabin which is met with a bit of angst from the little one come 3pm or so. Cabin fever sets in. With her best attempt she puts on her shoes and walks to the door chanting (in no particular order) "bye bye", "outside", "fishies" (after she discovered the local creek is filled with them). Fortunately for us this is new territory so a short walk around the cabin vicinity accounts for satisfying exploration. She displayed a great amount of tolerance for someone with so much energy and curiosity. Thankfully the other little one, her little buddy she appropriately refers to as "wino", and her seemed to enjoy each others company and the hugs and kisses flowed freely.

Outside of the hours in the cabin, we did find time to venture into nature and glorious it was. The little one busied herself moving rocks in the river and wading in not-so-swiftly, but enough to put mommy on edge, moving water. For me it was like watching a scary movie, every muscle is clenched, shoulders up to my ears from the tenseness but just can't take my eyes off the screen. I loved watching her regardless of how high the level of anxiety. Admittedly, I struggle with this idea quite often in my parental role. Do I pull her away from all potential danger or stand at arms length and allow her to have fun and be a kid. Hopefully more of the latter. I can't bear the thought of hindering her rightful desire to adventure because of my desire to shield her from all that is, or can be, dangerous in this world.

Our final great adventure for the weekend found us on a solid, moderately challenging hike to the top of Vernal Falls. The little one comfortably situated in the baby backpack with Daddy as her sherpa.

It was a beautiful trek through the forest and we learned a new word, "warful" translated as waterfall. Apparently the adventure made quite the impression on her because when she woke up the next morning in the hotel room, we heard the usual momentary half wimper/half cry followed by a very clearly stated, "warful", and she hasn't stopped since. Good thing we have lots of video footage since Oceanside is not known for its pristine waterfalls.

Routinely Speaking

2007-08-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

The little one is sleeping contently, right on schedule. Wednesdays are busy mornings for us. Out of the house before 8am and off to my workout/baby babysitting(playtime), a quick errand and on to baby gymnastics class, a few more errands and home in time for 11:30 nap. Routine is very important to her. She finds happiness in knowing what to expect next and having a good amount of predictability in her life. I think there is a lesson to be learned here as this is obviously an insight to our human nature. Predictability equals contentment.

There was a period in my life where I changed jobs and residences as though I were in a bad witness protection program. Family and friends offered funny comments but we're secretly voicing concern to one another. I believed they feared I wouldn't be a desirable candidate because I switched jobs, and industries so often. Her future is doomed, and she had so much potential. "Hey, I'm smarter than that," I would smugly reply. "I never quit a job without having accepted another offer elsewhere." This is pretty normal stuff, post-college, as you find your way in this life. One thing is for sure, I was not any happier selling tv advertising than power tools or branded coffee mugs.

Life is much simpler now, however more complicated. I enjoy just being at home with my family and knowing we will all sit on the couch every morning and have our daily beverage of choice before we go off our seperate ways for the days agenda. Chasing the next best thing left me always wanting and never enjoying the best thing I already have.

The little ones understand this better than anyone. As long as mommy and daddy are both in the room, their world is complete. Not saying that she doesn't enjoy new and exciting things. You should have seen her face the first time she saw the Beluga whales at Sea World....priceless. The new expriences and thrills are great, as long as they don't interfere with the routine too much, too often and for too long.

Branching Off

2007-08-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

I did not intend to become a regular blogger. It began as a farce. A way to humor my husband during a long and stressful couple of weeks at work. He had just started a fantastic blog which I look forward to reading everyday and there was much discussion among friends about it being "the" thing to do. Everyone should have a blog and I therefore lovingly imitated his title, set up my own blog and put together a few words, mostly about raising our daughter. Little did I know that I would actually enjoy it.

Many moms make some sort of scrap book or photo diary for their child to enjoy as they grow up but since the husband has a huge talent for filmmaking, I left this to him. I thought I would keep a journal for her that would be my personal gift for her to enjoy, especially when she becomes a mom. I have about 10 entries, she's 17 months old. Thats not even one a month! So my modern day answer to the journal is this blog. Therefore, if I decide to make this a somewhat regular hobby (I still question how often I will be able to commit to it), it's time I select a new title. We are no longer the most mundane thing, just the mundane details.

An Emotional Journey

2007-08-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I don't have the reputation of being a sensitive person. The reality is I lean towards the hardened closed-off side. I have consciously been working on being more sensitve and vulnerable my entire adult life, if nothing else for my loving husband's sake. Lord knows it's no fun giving affection to someone incapable of emoting. No doubt I'm a happier person for it.

With the birth of my daughter and entrance into motherhood there have been a number of noticeable differences in myself. I have become an emotional worrier, just to name a couple.

The worry thing is necessary for a mom, to a point. It's important to be aware of all the potential dangers in the room and be able to look at your child and in 2 seconds assess if they are about to hurl themselves backward in pure joy and smack their noggin on the corner of the flagstone hearth. That way you can anticipate and avoid the trip to the emergency room. I'm pretty sure it will happen sooner or later, I just hope it's not serious and doesn't happen soon.

Even more dibilitating than the worrying is the lack of control of emotions. My tear ducts are working over time. I feel as though their locked and loaded and ready to fire with the slightest nudging. This morning the little one kept pointing and asking for a book on the top shelf. One that we haven't pulled out yet for fear of eminent destruction. It's one of those soft cover normal paper page books, not like the more durable, fairly indestructable board books that are more suited for a curious toddler. Given to us by a family member and touted as one of their favorites I thought well as long as I'm holding it, it will be fine. I started to read the book titled, "Love You Always" and thought this is very sweet. It tells of a mom caring for her newborn who grows to become a young boy then teenager, young man, adult etc. all the while she continues to rock and sing him this lullaby:

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.

I'm getting choked up just typing it. Yikes. Well, the story ends with the son, now a man, rocking and singing to his frail, aging mother just before doing the same with his new baby girl. As sappy and silly as it sounds, all this was too much for me to handle and I had to put the book down opting for the more familiar animal picture book.

I suppose it's Gods way. The maternal nature is a sensitive, nurturing one. We all need that in our lives and who better to fit that bill then mommy. The other night after keeping the little one up way past bedtime to enjoy the company of friends, we started the normal bedtime routine; bath, quiet play, diaper and dress, read stories, say our prayers and lights out. We got to step 3 (diaper and dress) and the eyelids were getting to heavy for her to bear so I just picked her up in my arms and sang for a few minutes before putting her in bed. I whispered "i love you" (as I usually do) while turning to leave the room. I got to her door and heard in that cute little child voice "Yuvyou" and I walked out of the room.

It's no wonder why I've grown more emotional. My heart aches just thinking about it.

The Matter of Language

2007-08-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

The first time the little one mimicked my "oooooo", I remember thinking houston we have a connection. It wasn't much but considering I hadn't slept more than a 4 hour stretch in 4 months (this inludes the last month of pregnancy with constant night wakings from discomfort in between the waddle to the bathroom every couple hours) and the only response I had gotten from the little thing was a good diaper full thanking me for the satisfying breastmilk, I was elated at this new development. It was shortlived as I immediately panicked at the thought of teaching her a whole language. How on earth do I teach her to talk. Real language. Yikes, I'm not prepared for this.

One of the first words the little one mastered was "uh-oh" and it is my understanding that this is pretty common in the tot world. Uh-oh refers to all things gravity. It can mean any and all of the following: uh oh I dropped something, uh oh I fell, and my favorite, uh oh I'm going to hurl this spoonful of yogurt across the room.

Another word that came a bit later was "ice". If I were in her head, I think it went something like this:

what's this? it's cold...and slippery. what does it taste like? Hmm, that feels
good and mommy seems to give it freely and at other peoples houses it
just comes flying out of the big door. what did she say again? ice. ok, got it.

So ice is a favorite. Imagine my delight when we found a few huge bags of it sitting next to the bar at a wedding we attended over the weekend. It can be challenging to feel a part of the festivities when your busy chasing the little one around and searching for anything that will keep her occupied for five minutes in hopes of catching the ceremonial toast or first dance. And here it was, next to the bar of all places! She couldn't have been more pleased if I handed her a 1 pound bag of m&m's.

Consequently, a new concept emerged, "wet".

The words flow more freely everyday as frustration becomes communication. What a joy to spout out a sentence or question in normal adult speak and without hesitation get an appropriate response. Apparently, if you just talk to your child, they will learn the language on their own.

Why? and Who Cares?

2007-08-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Why?

My husband recently started a blog and is really enjoying it. I must say I've been inspired and look forward to reading what he has to say.

If your looking for a philosophical and enlightening read a visit to The Most Significant Thing will fit that bill. This blog is about the mundane activities in life as experienced from a mommy perspective.

My life is not the same with out the big momentous occasions: my wedding day, birth of my child, day escrow closed on our first home purchase. Those are huge and significant things that have given me great joy and a greater sense of purpose. The problem is my everyday reality is a bit lackluster in comparison. Therefore, I feel compelled to find happiness in the little tasks, boring as they are, if I am to be a person worth spending five minutes with. This therefore is my tribute to the more mundane aspects in life.

The reality is, I may not even get around to making a second post. Thats how it goes. So many things I would like to do each day but struggle to find the time and energy to accomplish half of them. As long as my daughter wakes up with a smile on her face and gives me a kiss goodnight, the laundry list of to-do's will wait.

Who Cares?

Nobody. I don't expect anyone will actually read this (except my husband, maybe.), nor am I providing some big public service. Perhaps my daughter would be mildly interested if she were able to read. No, this is more an excercise for myself to recognize that the mundane can actually be significant.